“Not Emma. Or you.”
Peter cleared his throat. He wasn’t as tall as Michael, but he was broader in the shoulders and thicker in muscle. “Our job is to protect both of you,” he said. “We know the consequences of our job, the risks that are part of it. We die to protect you.”
Drake returned and nodded. “I agree with them, boss.”
“They weren’t just our coworkers, they were our brothers,” Michael said. “We want to help you. Tell us what to do.”
“I need to know everything. I need to know their businesses here, their warehouses, any side deals they have, everything. I want to know their mistress’ information, the playgrounds for their children. I want to know every hiding spot they’re going to use.”
“Got it.” Drake and Peter nodded. I gave them instructions on what to do if they ran into trouble, and they left.
Michael remained behind, taking a position next to the door.
“Michael,” I said.
He looked at me.
“You’re not my bodyguard anymore.”
“What do you mean?”
“We’re a team now. This place is guarded. I have alarms set. If you’d like to sleep, go ahead.”
“But Emma.” He gestured toward the bedroom. “I figured you’d want to be with her.”
“I do, and I will be, but we take shifts now. Go and rest. I’ll stay awake for this shift.”
“Sir?” He still seemed confused.
“Go. Rest. It’s my turn. If anyone comes near the building, they’ll trip the alarms.”
“Drake and Peter?”
“They know the codes to get in. They’ll be fine.”
He nodded slowly. “Okay, sir.”
“Michael,” I called again.
He turned.
“Move into one of the main bedrooms,” I told him. “We need to be in closer proximity now, and it’s not sir anymore. I’m Carter.”
Another nod. “Yes, si—Carter.” Then a corner of his mouth lifted in a smile before he headed to grab his stuff.
I checked all the locks, the codes, every inch of our home. Everything was secure. Emma was still sleeping, and I wanted to go to her, but safety was first. Grabbing a coat, I walked the perimeter of our building and checked all the alarms I’d set there as well. After that, I checked the next block over and repeated the same routine. I was thorough. Then I went back.
We were safe. No one knew of this location. Noah knew I had a place in New York, but he didn’t know of this place, and Emma had never been here. This was my safeguard for the war. Not even Cole knew about this place, or Gene. The Bartels would find us. I knew it was a matter of time, but when they did, they would have a fight on their hands. Until then, I'd take the fight to them.
Michael had taken the bedroom closest to the entrance doors. I checked in on him, and he was indeed sleeping. Good. He’d need it. Then I moved to my own bedroom.
Emma had curled up in the sheets. She had them tucked under her chin as she balled into the fetal position.
I stopped now, for a moment, and let the reality crash over me.
I almost lost her.
They almost got her.